Lester L.

Magbutong
CE 435 Construction Materials and Testing
PLASTIC ENGINEERING PROPERTIES
1. Abrasion resistance
2. Chemical Resistance
3. Dimensional Stability
4. Electrical Properties
5. Flammability
6. Thermal Resistance
7. UV Resistance
8. Impact Strength
ABRASION RESISTANCE
The resistance of materials and structures to abrasion. Abrasion is the process of scuffing,
scratching, wearing down, marring, or rubbing away
Usually done with abrasion test
IMPACT STRENGTH
The impact strength of a material quantifies how much stress the material will endure before
suffering permanent deformation.
Ex. Polyamides or Nylons (PA)
Very high maximum allowable service temperature in air [250 C continuously]
Excellent retention of mechanical strength, stiffness and creep resistance over a wide
temperature range
Superb dimensional stability up to 250 C
Excellent wear & frictional behaviour
Very good UV-resistance
Exceptional resistance against high energy radiation [gamma- and X-rays]
Inherent low ammability
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE the resistance of a material to chemical reactivity
Ex. Acetals or Polyoxymethylenes (POM)
High mechanical strength, stiffness and hardness
Excellent resilience
Good creep resistance
High impact strength, even at low temperatures
Very good dimensional stability [low water absorption]
Good sliding properties and wear resistance
Excellent machinability
Good electrical insulating and dielectric properties
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY
The degree to which a material maintains its original dimensions when subjected to changes in
temperature and humidity.
PLASTICS
PLASTICS ARE POLYMERS
POLYMERS are composed of large molecules created by the repetition of a small molecular unit
called mer
Polytetrafluoroethylene
A thermoplastic resin, that is resistant to heat and chemicals, has an extremely low coefficient of
friction, and is used as a coating on cookware, gaskets, seals, and hoses
HOMOPOLYMERS jointed by weak secondary bonds
COPOLYMER- contains molecules having two polymers
CROSS-LINKED POLYMER- contain atoms, w/c form strong bonds bet. Molecules
ORIENTED POLYMER
POLYCARBONATE
Any of a class of thermoplastics characterized by high-impact strength, light weight, and flexibility,
and used as shatter-resistant substitutes for glass.
STRUCTURE
POLYPROPYLENE( PP )
Any of various thermoplastic resins that are polymers consisting of repeated branched units derived
from propane and having the formula CH
2
CH(CH
3
),
used in a wide variety of applications including packaging and labeling, textiles (e.g., ropes, thermal
underwear and carpets)

Formula (C3H6)n
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
A polymer made by the catalytic polymerization of vinyl chloride. PVC also includes copolymers that
contain at least 50% vinyl chloride. Used in tubing , cable jacketing, hose and automotive
applications
Chemical formula CH2=CHCl
Polyethylene
Acrylics (PMMA)
POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE (PMMA)
Formula : (C5O2H8)n
Uses
Signs
Counter topsCorian
Decorative pieces
Floor waxes
Paint, fingernail polishes
Contact lenses, glasses
Properties
Color (transparency)20 years w/ <10% change
Weatheringbest
Mechanical propertiesaverage except for impact (brittle)
Chemicalchlorinated solvents attack it, acetone gives it cracks
Electricalgood